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ChanteSez … Don’t say too much

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As a writer, you want to use words and phrases that reflect your voice, your personality.

But in most articles, there are phrases that could be edited out so that more of your authentic voice is heard.

Here are a few unnecessary phrases:

  • “In order to” should simply be “to.”
  • “As a matter of fact” … . Let the facts speak for themselves and get rid of this phrase. Same goes for “The fact that” or “The fact is.”
  • “In terms of” … what? Again, just get to the matter and edit these words out.
  • “Whether or not” can be cut to “whether.”
  • Are you really “begging the question”? Probably not. If you have to use a phrase like this one, it’s more accurate to say “raising” or “asking” the question.

ChanteSez … I.E. me, please

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Those who studied Latin have an advantage over us high-school Spanish and French students. They know the origin of the abbreviations “i.e.” and “e.g.”

Etymology aside, here’s what those abbreviations mean.

  • i.e. = that is. Remember the “i” here. That will be your clue for the word “is.”
  • e.g. = for example. Think of how “example” sounds — you could almost replace the “x” with a “g.” That’s your clue here.

Here are examples on how to use them.

  • The best time for me to relax is when I know I’ve finished all of my freelance work and household chores, i.e., Sunday afternoons.
  • I find it difficult to relate to people who are stuck in their ways, i.e., close-minded.
  • It always seems like there’s traffic when you’re in a rush, e.g., running late for a flight or on your way home from work for date night.
  • I like bright colors, e.g., orange, yellow and sky blue.